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Sunday, October 10, 2010

5 Excellent Medical Apps for Patients

This is a guest post by Melissa Tamura.

"There's an app for that." Most of us have heard that slogan at some point over the past year, and for good reason. Thanks in great part to its endless selection of interactive applications--apps--Apple's iPhone is revolutionizing the way we interact with the world around us. Chances are that no matter what we need to do, there probably is an app for it, and that includes staying healthy. So let's take a look at some of the best apps on the market designed for doing just that.

1. EpocratesEpocrates is often cited as both the first and the number one medical app available for doctors and patients alike. And it's with good reason. This versatile app comes in numerous releases, ranging from free (Epocrates Rx) to $199 per year (Epocrates Essentials Deluxe), and provides the user with instant access to answers to clinical questions, drug information (including side effects and interactions), a medical calculator, and even a pill identifying tool. If there is any app that no patient should be without, it's Epocrates.

2. WebMD Mobile
WebMD is the internet's premier database of medical information. Since 2005, the company has been compiling information on diseases, symptoms, doctors, pharmacies, drugs, and more and making it available to doctors and patients alike. WebMD Mobile ensures that you will always have all of that information with you, no matter where go.

3. iTriage
The iTriage app contains a database of over one million healthcare resources, enabling patients to locate proper and affordable local medical treatment for whatever ails them, wherever they are. iTriage is a must-have for any patient who will be traveling away from home.

4. MedWatcher
MedWatcher is an essential tool for any individual taking prescription medications. Compiling data from multiple channels, including FDA releases, news and media coverage, and individual reports, this app will provide patients with instant access to information about any given medication, including side effects, warnings, drug interactions, and more.

5. SOS4Life
SOS4Life is a medical data storage and translation tool that enables patients to enter in all of their vital medical information. The app then stores the information and translates it into 10 different languages, ensuring that no matter how far from home a patient is, they will never have to worry about lack of medical data or communication barriers preventing them from receiving the proper treatment for their condition.

And there you have it - using any or all of these apps will help to ensure that you always stay safe and healthy, at home and away.

When she's not getting excited about new gadgets, Melissa Tamura writes about prepaid cell phones for PrepaidCellphones.net. Her latest article took a look at the GoPhone from AT&T.